Taking a Closer Look at Alopecia Areata
At Riviera Hair Replacement, we see plenty of clients who experience hair loss from alopecia areata. For some people, alopecia areata results in severe depression, loss of self-esteem, and anxiety. Many come to us seeking hair replacement because they are tired of feeling self-conscious about their condition. They want to look and feel confident again and stop letting alopecia areata control their lives.
At Riviera Hair Replacement, we treat our clients with respect, discretion, and compassion no matter the reason for a visit. We do think it is important to understand the reasons behind your hair loss so we can provide the help that suits your goals and lifestyle.
Are you experiencing hair loss from alopecia? Are you about to start chemotherapy treatments that will cause you to lose hair temporarily? Are you experiencing excessive hair shedding from stress?
If you are experiencing hair loss for any reason, including alopecia areata, call Riviera at 516-364-0110 for a free evaluation and find out how we can design and create a hair replacement system that can restore your look and your confidence.
What is Alopecia Areata?
Alopecia areata is an immune disorder. Your body’s immune response causes your hair loss. It can come and go periodically and affect only patches of your scalp or your entire head and body.
The different types of alopecia areata and their characteristics are:
- Alopecia areata – This main type of alopecia areata is characterized by the loss of small round-ish clumps or patches of hair on your head. There can be one patch or several.
- Alopecia areata totalis – You lose all the hair on your head
- Alopecia areata Universalis- You lose all the hair on your head and body
- Diffuse alopecia areata- You experience sudden, generalized thinning of your scalp hair
- Ophiasis alopecia areata – You experience hair loss in a band shape around the sides/back of your scalp
Are Some People Prone to Alopecia Areata?
As with most autoimmune disorders, the exact cause of alopecia areata is not fully understood. Something makes your body attack your hair follicles, causing the hair to fall out. Doctors suspect that autoimmune diseases stem from something in your genetic makeup that gets triggered to attack your body.
According to WebMD, you are more likely to develop alopecia areata if one of the following is true:
- Someone in your family has alopecia areata
- You have asthma
- You have vitiligo
- You have thyroid disease
- You have seasonal allergies
- You have down syndrome
- You are anemic
What are the Symptoms of Alopecia Areata?
The symptom of alopecia areata is hair loss that has some of the following characteristics:
- Hair falls out, leaving small, round, bald patches
- Hair regrows in one spot while falling out in another
- More hair loss in cold weather
- Significant hair loss over a short period
- Hair loss accompanied by brittle, pitted, red toenails or fingernails
How is Alopecia Areata Treated?
Medical treatments for alopecia areata vary. Some doctors might prescribe steroid creams, pills, or ointments to slow hair loss or try immunotherapy treatments to stimulate regrowth.
Some research suggests that stress can trigger alopecia areata. You can try meditation, yoga, or other relaxation exercises to keep your mind at ease and reduce alopecia flare-ups.
Unfortunately, the unpredictability of alopecia areata and the patchy way the hair often falls out can be the greatest sources of stress and anxiety for people with this disorder. Sometimes, seeking hair replacement such as a wig or hair integration can be the easiest way to combat alopecia.
Call Riviera Hair Replacement for a Free Consultation
If you have alopecia areata and are tired of feeling self-conscious or anxious about your hair loss, call Riviera today to schedule a free consultation. We can design and create a hair replacement system that provides full coverage or maximizes the hair you have. Don’t wait to restore your scalp and confidence- call Riviera Hair Replacement today at 516-364-0110.
